Comments on Grading

Although often unpleasant and occassionally unfair, grading is an essential
component of the existing academic system. Grades are a reasonable
way for motivating many students and establishing a simple measure of how
well the course requirements were performed. While I personally do
not enjoy this part of the academic experience I recognize its overall
utility.

Professor
Sprott has posted an extensive essay on the nature of grading
in his classes. I find that many important points are well covered
in this document and so I refer students in my classes to it. In general
most of what is stated will pertain to my classes although there may be
some differences in the actual determination of course grades.